SACRAMENTO – Last week, State Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) today introduced Senate Bill 1190, which would enable all victims of violent crimes and their families to terminate a lease without penalty within 180 days of the crime having occurred. The measure is sponsored by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, a national network of over 40,000 crime survivors whose local chapters and members make up California’s largest statewide group of crime victims.

“We should protect the rights of tenants, especially tenants experiencing the most vulnerable of circumstances,” said Senator Durazo. “SB 1190 would extend relocation benefits to all victims and household members of violent crimes. Fundamental to recovery for these households is finding a stable, safe home.”

Currently, California law ensures that victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and elder or dependent adult abuse and their families can terminate a lease without penalty following the occurrence of the crime. But victims of other violent crimes are not afforded the same protection. SB 1190 would extend these protections to all victims of violent crime and their families.

“Doing whatever we can to protect survivors of violent crime is key to ensuring the health and security of families and entire communities,” said Tinisch Hollins, California state director for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “Preventing survivors from being re-victimized by making sure they have housing stability in the wake of traumatic tragedy is a key piece of a comprehensive approach to community safety and Sen. Durazo should be commended for exercising leadership on behalf of survivors and the safety of all of our neighborhoods.”